too late for a second chance novel (Lila and Dorian)

The police gave Charlie a shove from behind and warned, "Behave yourself!"

Watching him being taken into the police car, Lila smacked her forehead. "We shouldn't have let him see us just now. He won't be sentenced for long for his crime. It'll be a hassle if he comes back to bother us."

Kieran chuckled. "He won't. People like him only bully the weak and fear the strong."

When he first heard Lila mention that the Jost family had come asking for money, he had thought of having someone simply warn them off. That would've been enough to make them back off. But seeing how serious Lila was, he didn't want to discourage her enthusiasm.

Sometimes, having a strong sense of justice wasn't a bad thing.

Now that Charlie had been arrested, Cole also sent over some updates.

Kieran showed his phone to Lila, and she was surprised. "This family's situation is even messier than I thought. Let's put that aside for now. I'll hand over the recording from the other day to the police. I wonder if their statements would qualify as extortion or even child trafficking.'

Just as she finished speaking, a police officer walked over. "We're just about done here. Please follow us to the station to give a brief statement. You've done a great service. When we report this or put up a bulletin, we'll be sure to mention you."

"There's no need for that," Lila said, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Seeing Kieran's car, she asked, "Officer, can we drive there ourselves? We have another matter to report once we get to the station. Could you see if we can file a case?"

She then briefly explained the situation to the officer.

After listening to her, he replied, "Got it. Let's go to the station first. We'll make a copy of your recording and investigate thoroughly."

By the time Lila and Kieran finished their statements and returned to the hospital, it was already 10:00 pm.

Nicole had already put Yasmin to sleep. Knowing that Lila and Kieran were safe, she finally felt less anxious and, after a long day, dozed off on the couch.

Hearing the door open, she woke up and looked over. "Lila, you're back. Is everything settled?"

Lila nodded. "Charlie has been dealt with. As for their family's matters, we'll visit them again tomorrow. Where's Amelia?"noveldrama

"There was nothing urgent at the hospital, so I let her rest at the hotel."

"Aunt Nicole, let me take you and Yasmin to the hotel too. The hospital is still receiving injured patients, and it's getting chaotic with people coming and going." fo

As she spoke, Lila began packing up Yasmin's essentials.

Nicole was older and couldn't handle too much strain on her body. Meanwhile, Yasmin was a child who needed proper food and rest.

"Tomorrow, let Amelia accompany you back on the flight. Once Kieran and I handle the Josts and finalize the adoption paperwork, we'll head back too."

Hearing this, Nicole nodded without saying much. She knew she couldn't do much here, so it was better to take the child back and let them have a peace of mind.

...

Early the next morning, Lila and Kieran set off for the Jost residence. As a precaution, they brought two bodyguards with them.

The Jost residence was in a rural village. The earthquake hadn't caused much damage to the houses here, but there were still visible signs of destruction.

On the road, Lila suddenly smiled while looking at the scenery out the window. "I feel like I've been to a similar place before."

Kieran followed her gaze and

remembered the time they had gone to capture James in Mapleford That place had a similar atmosphere to here. Perhaps all villages in the country looked alike.

"You haven't fully recovered yet. There was no need for you to personally come and handle the Jost family," Kieran said as he

pinched her earlobe. He worriol net

handling these minor problems herself would only exhaust her.

that

Lila leaned against him with a smile. "But doesn't this involve Yasmin's adoption agreement?"

"Will we be able to return this afternoon?" She changed the topic swiftly.

"Yes. Once we're back in Northridge, you'll still need to do a full medical checkup."

When they arrived at the Jost residence, Lila knocked on the door.

The one who answered was Charlie's wife—the young woman they had seen the other day.

She cast a wary glance at the two burly bodyguards then at Kieran, who exuded a calm yet domineering presence.